14th annual Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship
The annual World Porridge Making Championships took place in Carrbridge, Inverness-shire, Scotland, on Sunday 7th October 2007. The competition was organised by the Carrbridge and Vicinity Community Council.
2007 winner Maria Soep & Speciality winner Al Beaton (high resolution)
Results 2007 - Maria Soep wins with organic porridge
Winner of the Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championships is Maria Soep of Roineabhal Country House, Kilchrenan, Taynuilt.
Winner of the Speciality is Al Beaton of The Porridge Bowl mobile porridge bar based Inverness.
2007 winner Maria Soep (high resolution)
Results Press Release
GUEST HOUSE OWNER WINS WORLD PORRIDGE MAKING CHAMPIONSHIP 2007
A GUEST HOUSE OWNER from Argyll beat off tough competition to take the title of World Porridge Making Champion 2007 as expert porridge makers from far and wide gathered in Carrbridge on Sunday to compete for the coverted Golden Spurtle Award.
Maria Soep runs the Roineabhal Country House at Kilchrenan where she makes sure porridge is on the menu for guests from around the world.
Maria has been involved in the hotel and catering trade since she was 15. In her younger days she worked as a chalet girl which led her to being invited back to France to take over the kitchen at a small family run hotel in the Pyrenees.
She has run her own country house guest house in Taynuilt for the past seven years.
Delighted to take the world porridge making title, she commented: " There was some very strong competition and a lot of very good professional chefs taking part. I just didn't expect to do so well."
The secret of her success, she says, is in using traditional organically grown pinhead oatmeal which the judges commended for its nutty texture.
As well as the prestigious Golden Spurtle trophy, the World Porridge Making Champion was presented with a £350 hotel voucher and £250 spending money from the event's main sponsors, oatmeal producers Hamlyns of Scotland.
Al Beaton finishes his 2007 Speciality winner - recipe below
(high resolution)
In the speciality category, sponsored by Columba Cream, the first prize went to Al Beaton from The Porridge Bowl, Inverness - a mobile porridge catering unit which is much in demand for festivals and events across the Highlands. Al faced fierce competition from a line up which included last year's speciality winner, Addy Daggert from the Muckrach Lodge Hotel at Dulnain Bridge who was a hot tipped favourite to win with his speciality dish with oat pancakes, poached plums and porridge ice cream. .
Although the judges were impressed by the inventiveness and creative ingenuity of all the speciality porridge competitors, it was Al's Porridge Bowl recipe that won the day with a combination of stewed apples, cinnamon and raisins with whipped cream dusted with grapenuts and served with a chocolate scroll.
The delighted chef was awarded the Duncan Hilditch Memorial Trophy named in memory of porridge making legend and four times world champion Duncan Hilditch and a £150 cash prize.
The championship attracted a strong line up of competitors from across Scotland as well other parts of the UK.
They included professional chefs, caterers and individuals keen to prove they could make a perfect bowl of porridge.
Albert Cowie
Among the competitors was a 21-year-old barber from Inverness who also lays claim to TV fame as a roving reporter for the Paul O'Grady Show and a retired chartered accountant with a passion for porridge.
The line up for the final cook off included last year's champion army chef Sgt Coleen Hayward MacLeod from the 1st Royal Irish Regiment based at Fort George and Simon Humphreys, a market researcher from London whose interest in porridge, which he proclaims as the "new museli", was prompted by a health scare showing he was suffering from a high cholesterol count.
This year's judges included George McIvor, Chairman of the Master Chefs of Great Britain, Colin Bussey, Executive Head Chef of the prestigious Cameron House Hotel, Loch Lomond and Shirley Spear from the famous award-winning Three Chimneys Restaurant on the Isle of Skye.
They were joined by Master of Ceremonies for the day, Martyn O'Reilly from Saltire International who lives in Carrbridge but is based in Poland where he combines business interests with hosting a variety of functions in his position as Chairman of the Caledonian Society of Warsaw.
The annual contest is organised by Carrbridge Community Council whose chairman, Mr Scott Bruce was delighted at the success of this year's event.
"There was a very high standard of competitors and a great sense of rivalry which led to some very tense moments particularly when it came to the final cook off," he said.
Alan Robertson Flambé speciality
This was echoed by Mr George McIvor, chairman of the Master Chefs of Great Britain who has been involved with the championship since it first started and headed up the judging panel.
He commented: "Each year the standard of competitors is extremely high and this year was exceptional. It was the toughest championship I have ever had to judge."
The championship got off to a flying start with a Toast to the Porridge and the procession of judges and competitors to the village hall led by the Badenoch and Strathspey Pipe Band.
Among the other added attractions was the Carrbridge Challenge Forest Run sponsored by Nairn's Oatcakes with fund raising for Maggie's Highland, an aerobic warm up led by local fitness instructor, Sam Bain, the Cairngorms Farmers Market, product tastings, live music and street entertainment.
2007 winner Maria Soep & David Fisher the roving reporter for the Paul O'Grady Show (high resolution)
A TV broadcast on the championship is to be broadcast on the Paul O'Grady Show on Wednesday (October 10) and can also be seen on the Scottish TV website at www.scotlandontv.tv
2007 Media Resolution Photos and Press Release Page.
Media enquires, please contact Linda Jolly, tel: 01479 841 211 or email lindajolly@aol.com.
5k, 3k and Fun Run winners 2007 (high resolution)
Expert Porridge Makers Battle It Out For Golden Spurtle Award - Press Release
Spurtles are at the ready as expert porridge makers from far and wide gather in the small Highland village of Carrbridge next Sunday (October 7) to complete in the World Porridge Making Championship 2007.
The popular event, which is followed by connoisseurs of the traditional national dish across the globe, has become one of the best known highlights of the Scottish food calendar.
The 14th annual championship has a strong line up of competitors with a combination of professional chefs and individuals who believe they have the secret of making a champion bowl of porridge. The line up of competitors includes last year's champion, army chef Sgt Coleen Hayward MacLeod of the 1st Royal Irish Regiment based at Fort George and speciality winner Addy Daggert of the Muckrach Lodge Hotel at Dulnain Bridge both of whom are keen to defend their titles.
Among others who have signed up for this year's contest is 21-year-old David Fisher, a barber from Inverness, who also lays claim to TV fame as a roving reporter for the Paul O'Grady. Although David was due to fly down to London to interview the red carpet stars at the film premiere of Stardust he was anxious to get in some last minute porridge making practice in time for his championship debut. Nervous as to how his skills might match up to the experts, David said that usually he can just about manage to grab a bowl of cereal in the mornings. "I have really been thrown in the deep end this time and although sadly enough I can't eat porridge myself because I suffer from Crohn's disease, I have been getting in some porridge making lessons from a friend who is a chef and will be doing my best not to let the side down" he said. David's exploits are being followed by a TV film crew with the World Porridge Making Championship due to be broadcast on the Paul O'Grady Show on the evening of Wednesday October 10.
This year's championship is also to be followed by a film crew from the Scottish web TV site www.scotlandontv.tv which is hugely popular with ex-pat Scots across the world and particularly Canada and North America. The film crew has already done some preliminary filming as long time stalwart, Ian Bishop from the Slochd prepares for this year's contest and will be covering the event on the day.
The title of World Porridge Making Champion will be awarded to the contender deemed to have made the best traditional porridge using oatmeal and salt.
As well as the coveted title and prestigious 'Golden Spurtle' trophy, the winner of the competition, sponsored by Scotland's largest oatmeal producers, Hamlyns of Scotland, will receive a £350 hotel voucher and a cash prize of £250.
Contestants are also invited to enter the 'Speciality Porridge' competition, sponsored by Columba Cream, for porridge with other ingredients added. The winner of this category will be presented the Duncan Hilditch Memorial Quaich, named in memory of legendary master porridge maker and four-times World Porridge Making Champion, Duncan Hilditch who lived in the village for many years.
This year's judges include long-time stalwart, George McIvor, chairman of the Master Chefs of Great Britain and Colin Bussey, Cameron House Hotel, Loch Lomond. They will be joined by guest judge, Shirley Spear of the famous award-winning Three Chimneys Restaurant on the Isle of Skye.
The championship is organised by Carrbridge Community Council whose chairman, Scott Bruce explained that there were some basic rules which everyone has to follow. "The judges will; will be looking at the consistency taste and colour, while for the speciality porridge, the criteria is also based on the blending of porridge with other ingredients." Mr Bruce pointed out that there was an ever-growing interest in porridge with much debate as to how it should be cooked.
Some say it should only be stirred clockwise using the right hand so as not to invoke the devil and it should only be stirred with a spurtle - a straight wooden spoon/stick without a moulded or flat end. "It is amazing just how much interest there is, especially with today's increasing focus on healthy eating" said Mr Bruce.
"Porridge fans across the world have contacted us and are keen to find out more about the championship which they have been following on our golden spurtle website."
As well as the porridge making championship, Sunday's event provides a host of other activities including the Carrbridge Challenge 3km and 5km Forest Run and Minis Fun Run sponsored by Nairn's Oatcakes with fund raising in aid of Maggie's Highland, the Cairngorms Farmers Market, breakfast provided by The Porridge Bowl, cookery demonstrations, product tastings, live music, art and craft workshops and street entertainment.
Registration for the Forest Run is from 10am with a mass aerobic warm up led by local fitness instructor Sam Bain prior to the start at 11am.
Other main highlights of the programme include the pipe band led parade of porridge competitors and judges at 12.30pm from the Old Bridge along the main street to Carrbridge Village Hall and the traditional Toast to the Porridge before the championship gets underway with the first heats at 1pm.
More information about the event, including entry forms for the Forest Run, can be found on the website at www.goldenspurtle.com.
World Title
The title of World Porridge Making Champion is awarded to the chef deemed to have made the best traditional porridge using oatmeal, water and salt. As well as the coveted title and the 'Golden Spurtle' trophy, the winner of the competition, sponsored by 'Scotland’s leading Oatmeal producer', Hamlyns of Scotland, will receive a £350 hotel voucher and a cash prize of £250.
Speciality Porridge
Most contestants also enter the ‘Speciality Porridge’ competition, for porridge with other ingredients added. The winner will receive the Duncan Hilditch Quaich sponsored by Columba Cream. The Speciality Porridge winner will also receive a cash prize of £150.
The Badenoch & Strathspey Pipe Band lead the procession of judges and competitors.
The Porridge Parade
The piper, millers, judges and entrants meet at the famous bridge for a complimentary dram to toast ‘The Porridge’ before proceeding to the Village Hall where the competition commences. Badenoch and Strathspey Pipe Band will play at bridge and then lead procession.
Cairngorm Farmers Market
The Cairngorm Farmers Market was launched in 2004 to promote quality good local food for local people. The newly expanded market has received great accolades. All products sold have been grown, reared, baked, smoked or manufactured by small scale local producers. Purchases include local beef, lamb, pork, fruit, veg, salads, honey, tablet, eggs etc. Also quality local crafts.
Judging 2007
Entries will be judged by a panel of three judges:
George McIvor of the Master Chefs of Great Britain.
Colin Bussey from Cameron House Hotel, Loch Lommond
Guest judge - Shirley Spear from the famous award winning The Three Chimneys.
Championship compere: Martyn O'Reilly of Saltire International.
Sponsors
Hamlyns of Scotland, Columba Cream, Gleaner Oils, Walkers Shortbread, Roy Brown eCommerce, Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge Ahead and Carrbridge & Vicinity Community Council, Cairngorm Mountain, The Weaver Spar Shop, Fairwinds Hotel, The Cairn Hotel.
Sponsor Hamlyns (Grampian Oat Products) offer
samples and advice to visitors.
Hamlyns of Scotland (sponsor)
The main sponsor of the World Porridge Making Championship Hamlyns of Scotland has a web site with useful information on oats, production, health and many recipes.
Recipes
See the porridge page for recipes including previous years champion's tips and for the Porridge & Oatmeal Thesaurus. The Scottish National Dictionary Association have kindly allowed us to use extracts from 'The Scots Thesaurus'.
2007 Media Photos & Results Press Release
2007 Media Resolution Photos and PR.
Media enquires, please contact Linda Jolly,
tel: 01479 841 211 or
email lindajolly@aol.com.
James Ross Photos
Simon Humphreys writer for The Guardia - Photo: James Ross.
See other competition photos by excellent local photographer James Ross. Other competition years and subjects in his galleries page.
Photos on Golden Spurtle site by Roy Brown unless stated otherwise.
2008 Competition Date
Date for your diary: the 15th annual World Porridge Making Championships will take place on Sunday 12th October 2008.
2007 Media Coverage
Argyll woman wins porridge award - 8 Oct 2007 - stv.tv, UK
If you are looking for the perfect bowl of porridge, then where would you find it? An upmarket Michelin star restaurant perhaps? Or maybe in the kitchen of ... See video of interview.
Porridge contest 'stirring stuff' - 8 Oct 2007 - BBC News, UK
A dozen cooks from across the UK had gathered in Carrbridge, in Strathspey, for the contest to see who can make the finest bowl of the oatmeal dish. ...
The Golden Spurtle Porridge Making Championship - 15 Oct 2007 - Scotland on TV
A firm favourite in the Scottish cuisine calendar, Scotland on TV attend the 14th annual competition in Carrbridge, Inverness-shire. See
video feature.
Perfect porridge - 8 Oct 2007 - Simon Humphreys, The Guardian, UK
His porridge-making started as a healthy hobby ... but then Simon Humphreys ended up as the only English contender in the 14th world championship in Scotland. He ended up coming third, and now he's seriously obsessed.
Simon Humphreys writer for The Guardian in the final.
How do you make the perfect porridge? - 8 Oct 2007 - BBC Scotland, UK
Listen to interview.
David drops out of the porridge scene - 10 Oct 2007 - Strathspey & Badenoch Herald
THE HIGHLAND’S newest TV star is to retire from the competitive world of porridge making after his first - and last - appearance at the World Porridge Making Championships in Carrbridge on Sunday.
Stirring win for Scotland's first lady of porridge - 8 Oct 2007 - New Zealand Herald
The 14th annual contest took place in the natural home of the dish: Scotland, in the small village of Carrbridge, Inverness-shire. ...
Stirring win for the first lady of quality porridge - 8 Oct 2007 - Independent, UK
The 14th annual contest took place in the natural home of the dish: Scotland, in the small village of Carrbridge, Inverness-shire. ...
World porridge-making championships - 8 Oct 2007 - Daily Telegraph, Australia
A dozen cooks are heading to Carrbridge in Strathspey for the annual contest to see who can make the finest bowl of the oatmeal dish. ...
World porridge-making champ named - 8 Oct 2007- Ananova, UK
A Scottish guesthouse owner has taken the honours in the annual world porridge-making championships. A dozen cooks from across the UK had gathered in ...
Stirring win for porridge lady - 8 Oct 2007 - Bangkok Post, Thailand
A team of judges tasted dishes of the world's 13 most distinguished porridge-makers before deciding who triumphed in the Golden Spurtle World Porridge-Making Championship.
Oat cuisine ain't what it used to be - 8 Oct 2007 - The Scotsman
WHEN your dish consists of just three primary ingredients - oatmeal, water and salt - sometimes a pinch of superstition can make all the difference. ...
Breakfast of champions gets underway - 8 Oct 2007 - Radio New Zealand
The annual world porridge-making championships are taking place in the Scottish Highlands. Contestants are trying to demonstrate their skill in making the ...
WINNER OF THE GOLDEN SPURTLE - 8 Oct 2007 - This is North Scotland, UK
Maria Soep who runs the Roineabhal Country House, at Taynuilt, where she cooks porridge daily for her guests, was awarded the coveted Golden Spurtle trophy ...
Guesthouse owner named world's best porridge - 8 Oct 2007 - RTE.ie, Ireland
A guesthouse owner was named the world's best porridge maker after a tense cook-off in Scotland today. Maria Soep, from Argyll, Scotland won the 14th annual ...
Cooks get into a stir over Golden Spurtle - 8 Oct 2007 - The List, UK
Cooks from across the UK gathered in Strathspey to whip up their finest oat-based dishes for the annual porridge making championships. ...
World Porridge Championships Cause a Stir - 1 Oct 2007 - The Press and Journal
There were also interviews on the BBC World Service, Radio Sheffield, Ulster, Dublin, Birmingham and many more. Coverage in many more local papers.
2007 Winner
2007 winner Maria Soep cooking her winning porridge (high resolution)
Al Beaton's Eve's Porridge winning 2007 speciality recipe
Oatmeal (one part oatmeal to three parts water), pinch of salt, two Bramley apples, pinch of cinnamon, handful of raisins, whipped cream, grape nuts and melted chocolate.
Stew the apples adding sugar to taste. When the apples are gently stewed, add the cinnamon and raisins. Cook the porridge in a separate pan stirring throughout. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
Pour the porridge into a serving bowl and add the apple mixture. Top with whipped cream, dust with grape nuts and add a swirl of melted chocolate.
Enjoy!
2007 Schedule
SUNDAY OCTOBER 7
- 10am
Carrbridge Challenge Forest Run Registration - 10.45am
Forest Run Mass Aerobic Warm Up - 11am
Carrbridge Challenge Forest Run
Porridge judges Brunch @ The Cairn Hotel - 12 noon
Forest Run Prize Giving - 12.30pm
Porridge Competitors, Judges Officials
Pipe Band led procession from Old Bridge to Village Hall
Traditional Toast to the Porridge - 1pm
Start of World Porridge Making Championship 2007 - 3pm
Announcement of winners, presentation of prizes
Press Photo Call .
Other activities during the day include the Cairngorms Farmers Market, live music & street entertainment.
2007 procession from Old Bridge to Village Hall
SATURDAY OCTOBER 6
- 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Welcome Reception for porridge championship competitors, officials & guests.
Drinks & finger buffet with live music provided by Carrbridge musician, Alan Bolger on classical guitar.
2007 Competitors
- Sgt Coleen Hayward Macleod - Fort George, Inverness
World Porridge Making Champion 2006 - Addy Daggert - The Muckrach Lodge Hotel, Dulnain Bridge
Speciality Winner 2006 - David Fisher - Barber from Inverness & roving reporter for the Paul O'Grady Show
- Ian Bishop - Long time stalwart / porridge making expert / mountain bike & ski hire operator The Slochd, Carrbridge
- Maria Soep - Roineabhal Country House, Kilchrenan, Taynuilt
- Simon Humphreys - Market Researcher, London
- Albert Cowie - retired accountant / self proclaimed porridge making expert, Port Essie
- Jean Dewar - Regular competitor & past champion from Aberfeldy
- Al Beaton - The Porridge Bowl mobile porridge bar based Inverness
- Eric Dickinson - Chef for The Compass Group, based Edinburgh
- Alan Robertson - Chef at Baxters Visitor Centre, Fochabers
- Violet MacIver - Previous competitor in 2005, Inverness
2007 Speciality winner Al Beaton (high resolution)
2006 News Coverage
Some of the articles covering the event:
Golden spurtle stirs up a world of controversy - The Sunday Times -
Day of highland touring gets off to the right start - Victoria Times Colonist, Canada -
Sergeant wins top porridge prize - BBC News 9 Oct 2006
2007 'Toast to the Porridge' outside the Village Hall
Shirley Spear
Guest judge for 2007 is Shirley Spear from the famous award winning restaurant The Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye
Shirley Spear
Shirley Spear and her husband Eddie have run the award-winning Three Chimneys Restaurant at Colbost, in the remote north west Skye, for twenty-two years. Shirley is a completely self-taught chef. She was born in Peebles in the Scottish Borders and grew up in Edinburgh. Her passion for cooking and Scottish food stems from childhood and her love of restaurants grew while she followed her career in PR in London during the late seventies and early eighties. She is delighted to have played a leading role in the burgeoning Scottish restaurant scene over two decades.
Shirley's reputation has grown to have a worldwide following. In April 2002, Restaurant magazine placed The Three Chimneys at No. 28 on their “definitive list” of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. The Three Chimneys was the only Scottish restaurant included and one of only seven throughout the UK. With this accolade, plus a string of top restaurant awards behind her, Shirley became renowned for her use of Skye's abundant supply of seafood. She became famous for using as much fresh, local produce as possible from Skye and the Highlands. Many of her dishes were based on traditional ideas, but given a modern slant to bring them up-to-date with today's restaurant scene. Shirley is well known for her views on the importance of promoting Scotland's culinary heritage and has published her own best-selling book, The Three Chimneys, which has recently been revised and reprinted. This is a collection of culinary essays on Scottish food and includes the story of her life as a self-taught chef and restaurateur in Skye, plus favourite recipes.
Although Eddie and Shirley remain at the helm of The Three Chimneys and their 5-star accommodation in The House Over-By which they opened in 1999, the couple now take more of an overall management role with Jeanette Neil as their restaurant manager and head chef, Michael Smith leading the kitchen team.
Carrbridge Challenge Forest Run 2007 Results
5km: Rupert Shute (Reading) 17.59; Dominic Sermanni (Carrbridge) 18.39; Robert MacKenzie (Boat of Garten) 20.42. Ladies: Julie Cleghorn (Strathpeffer) 21.20; Cathy Slimon (Laggan) 22.33; Anna Louise Batchelor (Reading) 23.27. Junior under 16: Josh Murray (Carrbridge); Megan Young (Fochabers).
3km: overall winners - Roger Homyer (Insh); Elaine Homyer (Insh); Lewis McWilliam (Carrbridge); Under 16: Lewis McWilliam (Carrbridge); Katie Homyer (Insh); seniors: Ewan Morrison (Archieston), Sam Bain (Carrbridge); Vets: Roger Homyer (Insh), Elaine Homyer (Insh).
Minis: overall - Harry Ingle (Aviemore), Ewan MacKintosh (Carrbridge), Katie Robertson (Boat of Garten); under 5 - Finlay Jennings (Carrbridge), Rosie Broadbent (Nethybridge); P1-2: Harry Ingle (Aviemore), Katie Robertson (Boat of Garten), P3-4: Molly McAulay (Carrbridge).
Carrbridge Challenge Forest Run 2007
Sunday October 7
Helping raise funds for Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres
The Carrbridge Challenge 3km & 5km Forest Run is held in conjunction with the annual World Porridge Making Championship.
Sam Bain leads the 2007 Forest Run Mass Aerobic Warm Up
There will be medals for all competitors plus category prize winners.
This year it is hoped those taking part in the Forest Run will also help raise money towards Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres which provide information and support for anyone who has cancer as well as their families and friends. The pioneering concept was founded by Maggie Keswick Jencks from her own experience as a cancer patient. www.maggiescentres.org. Maggie's Highland can be found next to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness.
You can help give your support to Maggie's by either making a donation or helping raise money through sponsorship support.
Click here to download Carrbridge Challenge Forest Run Entry Form and Sponsorship Form.
Join over 100 competitors lined up for the Carrbridge Challange Fun Run Sponsored by Nairns Oatcakes.
2007 Forest Run 3k start (high resolution)
Discover Carrbridge
Information about our picturesque highland village named after the 1717 pack-horse bridge. See the Carrbridge section and the comprehensive links page.
Buy On-line and Help Support Carrbridge Projects
The Carrbridge Community Development Company 'Carrbridge Ahead' has signed up for a website fund raising network where goods and services purchased via the on-line shop can earn commission which will go into a fund raising pot to help support village projects. (Note may need to allow site cookies).
Carve Carrbridge
The 2007 annual 'Scottish OpenChainsaw Carving Competition' Carve Carrbridge was held on Saturday 1st September 2007. See web site Carve Carrbridge.
Pete Bowsher with his 2007 winning sculpture
and brandishing the Claymore Trophy.
To complement the Chainsaw Log Sculpture Competition, there was s a whole host of activities for all the family including a quick carve, grand auction, stalls and sideshows, axe throwing, belly dancing, live music and much more much more. See Carve Carrbridge for more info.
